Solo

Geraghty's (The Hunter) polished, striking art is the mainstay of this volume. The story, about the newborn penguin Solo and her parents, moves from one perilous scenario to the next as Solo's parents take turns visiting the danger-filled sea in order to get food. Escapes are narrow and reunions a bit theatrical, but the art compensates for the deficiencies in storytelling. Geraghty's illustrations bring the Antarctic winter so close that one can't help but shiver. He approaches his compositions with almost photographic clarity, and his delicacy in applying a virtual rainbow of hues mimes the sun's own skill at painting snow, ice and water. Ages 4-8. (Jan.)